FILE-A passenger walks on the deck of a cruise ship. Please note this isn’t the Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey cruise ship, it’s only a file photo. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)
Passengers waiting to take a journey around the world are having to delay their adventure because the ship has been stuck in Northern Ireland for three months.
Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey was going to leave Belfast, Northern Ireland, but is undergoing repairs that have postponed its scheduled May departure for a 3 ½-year-round-the-world voyage.
The cruise ship offers travelers an opportunity to purchase a cabin and live at sea while visiting 425 ports in 147 countries on seven continents.
According to the Associated Press, cabins characterized as “villas” begin at $99,999, including a monthly cost, for the operations of the ship, at least 15 years. Passengers have the option to sign up for portions of the voyage, which can last weeks or months.
What are cruise ship passengers saying about the delay?
Several passengers have used the time to enjoy other trips while they await the cruise ship to eventually depart.
Lanette Canen and Johan Bodin told the Associated Press they have enjoyed their stop in Belfast, enjoying the food and culture. They have also traveled to Italy, Croatia, and Sweden.
Angela and Stephen Theriac told the BBC they used the time to travel around Spain by train, visiting Greenland, and taking weekend trips to England.
Holly Hennessey, a passenger and Florida native, told the BBC she can’t leave Northern Ireland because of her shipmate – her cat, Captain.
Dr. David Austin, who sold his Georgia home to set sail on the cruise, told the New York Post he stopped counting down the days until the cruise ship is finally ready.
Moreover, Villa Vie Residences’ have been covering the living expenses for about 200 passengers, and they are allowed on the ship during the day and given meals and entertainment but cannot stay overnight.
The AP reported that the company has paid for hotels in Belfast and other European cities for passengers who want to enjoy more of Europe while they wait.